Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto said that during this year’s Christmas celebrations, the hearts and minds of nearly all Indonesians are with communities affected by flash floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
In a nationally broadcast address on Thursday, the President prayed that Almighty God would grant protection to disaster-affected communities in Sumatra, as well as residents in other regions who are also facing hardship due to natural disasters.
“Brothers and sisters, amid this year’s Christmas celebrations, our hearts remain with our brothers and sisters who are facing the impacts of disasters in several parts of our country, in Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and also in other areas of our homeland,” he said.
“May our brothers and sisters in those places be given the protection of the Almighty, may their suffering be eased, and let us continue to work hard to overcome the difficulties faced by our fellow citizens,” he added.
The President then called on all Indonesians to strengthen unity, the spirit of solidarity, and care for one another, while reinforcing the value of mutual cooperation.
“We must stand united and work together, setting aside our differences for the sake of the people we love,” Prabowo said.
Speaking on behalf of the government and in his personal capacity, the President extended Christmas greetings to Christians nationwide, expressing hope that the peace and promise of the holiday would bring comfort to those in need.
“On behalf of the Government, and personally, I wish a Merry Christmas to all Christians across the country. May the peace and hope of Christmas be with you all, and may Almighty God always protect the entire Indonesian nation,” the President continued.
In several districts and cities affected by the disaster, particularly in North Sumatra, communities celebrated Christmas with modest services held in churches that had been cleared of thick mud left by flash floods. Elsewhere, worship services were conducted in temporary shelters and evacuation tents.
Last month (Nov. 25), a number of districts and cities in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra were hit by flash floods and landslides that left more than a thousand people dead, hundreds missing, and tens of thousands of homes damaged.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported as of Thursday (Dec. 25) that the death toll from flash floods and landslides in Sumatra had reached 1,135, while 173 people were declared missing as search and rescue operations continue. Nearly 490,000 people remain displaced, the agency added.
